5 craft beer and food pairings you have to try

Looking for a relaxed space for those post-work drinks? Hit The Armoury for hearty burgers, grilled meats, pizza straight from the oven and a freshly poured pint. There are over 15 types of craft brews on tap behind the bar and if that’s not enough to tickle your tipple fancy, it also does cocktails, party poppers and a full range of spirits to get you through the night.

The pairing: Armoury Burger ($20) with Kona Big Wave ($16)

Nothing hits the spot like a greasy burger and a tall glass of beer. The Armoury’s comes in the form of a 200g wagyu beef patty topped with bacon, caramalised onions and cheese that works wonders with the pleasant and easy-to-drink Kona Big Wave for a refreshing finish.

Welcome to the new kid on The Rail Mall block that offers craft beer on tap and has a large variety by the bottle. Its tap offerings change every week, keeping things fresh for people who want to try new beers. Protip: pop in on Tuesdays for $12 pints, all night long.

The pairing: Chilli crab fries ($11) with Fourpure Juicebox Citrus IPA ($15)

While Sixteen Ounces’ menu is limited to a small range of bar bites, you’ll find dishes that are tailor made for snacking on with a beer. Fries and ale is a classic combination: the spicy chilli crab sauce pairs well with bitters like an IPA. The Fourpure Juicebox Citrus IPA amplifies its salty and spicy flavours.

You’d be forgiven for dismissing Five Marbles as a regular courtyard hotel bar when you first walk past – nothing about it screams craft beer. But look a little closer and you’ll notice a selection of 12 beers on tap, some of which you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Quaff down pints from local brewers or go global with pours from Australia, Japan and America. There’re even ciders from New Zealand and mead for those with a sweet tooth.

The pairing: Green curry lychee duck linguine ($19) with Brewlander Love (Wild IPA) ($7/$14)

Don’t be fooled by its inviting green hue, this spicy linguine dish packs a serious punch. Wash it down with Brewlander Love, a fruity IPA with notes of tropical fruit like pineapple and mango that marry well with the lychee and pineapple the pasta is topped with.

Brought to you by the same people behind microbrewery-pub Little Island Brewing Co over in Changi, Alchemist is Asia’s first infusion beer lab located in the heart of town. Instead of plain ol’ beer, you’ll find experimental infusions such as Obama (stout infused with marshmallow, vanilla pods and mint leaves) and Passionista (apple cider, thyme and passion fruit) in its 16 golden towers.

The pairing: Crispy ponzu pork belly ($15) and Naked Lager ($15)

The crispy ponzu pork belly from Alchemist’s small plates menu is a stunner. Not only is the meat incredibly tender and juicy, the crackling on top retains a satisfying crunch when you chomp down. Pair it with Naked Lager, which has a higher carbonation to cut through the fattiness of the pork.

The world’s highest microbrewery, Level33, is perhaps the most sophisticated place to sip on a locally brewed beer. These suds are best enjoyed with chef James Tegerdine’s progressive Australian cuisine.

The pairing: Kangaroo loin ($37) with Stout ($17.33)

Here’s one for the adventurous. Level33’s kangaroo loin comes with textures of beetroot for a hint of earthy sweetness that’s brought out by the full-bodied roasted stout.